The LOX, Ghostface Killah & Raekwon - Wu-Block

All red-blooded American males who grew up in the 1990’s, at one point or another, had some variation on the following thought: “Wouldn’t it be dope if the Power Rangers and the Ninja Turtles joined forces?” Apparently, it did happen… in 2009, long after we’d all (I hope) moved on from our grade-school preoccupations. The LOX and Wu-Tang, however, are two ‘90s crews that haven’t lost their appeal in the intervening years—and it’s hard not to feel a little of that childish excitement on hearing the Northeastern vets come together on Wu-Block, lead single off their newly-announced collaborative album of the same title. RZA keeps the Wu-ambiance alive on the production tip, layering exotic samples over a gritty breakbeat as his distinguished colleagues do their thing on the mic. Ghostface, Raekwon, Styles P, Jadakiss and Sheek Louch make just as formidable allies as you’d except, indulging their penchant for vivid street storytelling and battlefield imagery while dropping copious references to both crews’ illustrious histories in the game. While Wu-Block (the album) has yet to receive a drop date or label home, fans can tide themselves over with Wu-Tang’s Legendary Weapons LP, released in late July via E1 Music.